During the the three-day Faith and Freedom Conference, hosted by the Faith and Freedom Coalition, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) insisted America was funding a war on Christianity in Egypt.

"It is clear that American taxpayer dollars are being used to enable a war on Christianity in the Middle East and I believe that must end," Paul said.

The senator endorsed a non-interventionist foreign policy, arguing against arming Syrian rebels and recommending foreign aid be slashed to Egypt, Libya and Pakistan; countries he said are "openly hostile to Christians".

"The Senate is attempting to arm the rebel forces in Syria, many of whom are al Qaeda or affiliates," Paul said. "They do so out of a misguided attempt to stop the violence in Syria. Instead their actions will bring more violence and more persecution of Christians, who have long been protected in Syria."

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted last month 15-3 to arm certain rebel groups, though this vote has yet to be tested on the floor.